Springfield cancels Memorial Day parade due to pandemic

Springfield — Springfield has canceled the city’s annual Memorial Day parade because of coronavirus concerns.

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The decision to cancel the parade was made in collaboration with the Springfield city manager because of the possibility that Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s restriction of large gatherings could last through the month of May, the parade’s coordinator Jon Stewart said in an email.

There was consideration to move the parade to the weekend of July 4, but Stewart said there was no guarantee that would be possible either.

“I had previously stated that a final decision would be made on May 1, but there is too much planning for all participants and float creation time is needed to wait any longer to officially make this decision,” Stewart’s email said in part.